Garcinia Cambogia is a small pumpkin
fruit that grows in Southeast Asia and India. Garcinia’s main active
ingredient found in its bark is hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which some
research suggests may help some people lose weight.

Currently, there are at least 14
HCA-containing products, sold over-the-counter, to consumers, labeled
"garcinia cambogia". Most people are attracted to the idea of using
Garcinia Cambogia because of the potential for weight loss, which can
offer effortless, rapid weight loss without the need to alter the
overall diet or lifestyle.

Garcinia Cambogia itself is not a new
product, in fact it has been consumed in parts of Asia for many years,
although not for the purpose of losing weight. Since Garcinia Cambogia
(traditionally known as the Tamarind of Malabar) began to gain
popularity in the world several years ago, after appearing frequently in
the media and popular health-related TV shows, sales have increased
dramatically. More and more people are buying the so-called "miracle
weight loss medicine" in the hope of losing visceral fat from the body
and belly that they have been struggling with for years. But, like most
other weight loss supplements, pills and products, studies on the
effects and safety of Garcinia were mixed. Although there is some
evidence that HCA can help with weight loss, even when someone does not
exercise frequently or changes their diet a lot, there are also concerns
about serious side effects that may occur, including liver damage or
problems, anxiety , fatigue, dizziness and digestive problems.

Remember that just because Garcinia
Cambogia is derived from a natural fruit does not mean it is always
completely safe. So, does garcinia cambogia lose weight? What's the
truth with this so-called slimming supplement? Let's look at how HCA
works, in what situations Garcinia Cambogia may be helpful, and what
adverse reactions are possible when using any type of weight loss
medication.

Finally, it is worth considering the
fact that several times we have seen diets and products released to help
in weight loss, what really works in the end is to live a healthy
lifestyle.

Some studies have found that garcinia
cambogia may, in fact, be able to help to reduce amounts of fat.
Research suggests that HCA works by blocking a particular enzyme called
adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase, which contributes to the formation
of fat cells. But studies comparing Garcinia cambogia effects to
controls found that it could help weight loss by only one to two pounds
on average.

These findings are exactly what
researchers published in 201. When they compared people, who used
garcinia cambogia extract to those who did not, weight difference was
very small (averaging only about two pounds - 900g). Moreover, it was
not even possible to conclude that Garcinia Cambogia was directly
responsible for the additional pounds lost.

The meta-analysis analyzed the results
of 12 different tracks involving Garcinia Cambogia and revealed a small
statistically significant difference in weight loss favoring the use of
garcinia cambogia products containing HCA slightly over the use of a
placebo. However, the analysis also found that some studies showed
gastrointestinal side effects were twice as common in HCA groups
compared to placebo.

Results of several weight loss studies
involving Garcinia Cambogia were very mixed. A meta-analysis study
reported a significant decrease in fat mass in the HCA group compared to
placebo, two studies reported a significant decrease in visceral fat,
subcutaneous fat, total fat areas in the HCA group compared to placebo,
but two other studies found no significant difference between HCA and
placebo.

2. Reduced Appetite

Studies have also suggested that it is
possible that the HCA found in garcinia cambogia may help decrease
appetite of some people by increasing the production of the
neurotransmitter serotonin, which is associated with feelings of calm
and happiness - and therefore sometimes suppression of appetite , lower
cravings and lower craving for unhealthy foods. Animal studies show that
it can also help increase energy. Keep in mind, however, that this is
not the case for everyone, and there are other, potentially less risky
ways to better manage your appetite and increase your serotonin
production (such as making balanced meals with protein foods and healthy
carbohydrates at regular times throughout the day).

3. Cholesterol Reduction

There is some result so that Garcinia
cambogia is able to reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower high
triglycerides. It may also help increase "good" HDL cholesterol. It is
not safe for anyone who is already taking cholesterol-lowering
medications. Studies have found that Garcinia Cambogia has no
"significant effect on anthropometric parameters, triglycerides or
glucose levels," but may have effect on cholesterol reduction. Keep in
mind that there are also many other natural ways to improve cholesterol
levels, including exercising and eating more fiber from high fiber foods
such as veggies, nuts, seeds and beans.

4. Diabetes and blood glucose control

Finally, what about the effects of
Garcinica cambogia on blood sugar levels? Some evidence exists that
garcinia cambogia can help control blood sugar by improving the way the
cells absorb glucose (sugar) to be used for energy production. One way
in which it can improve weight loss is through the inhibition of
pancreatic alpha amylase enzymes, changes in alpha glycosidase and
intestinal changes in fatty acid synthesis. This may be able to change
the way carbohydrates are metabolized.

This may help your body respond better
to insulin, although it may also increase your risk of having low blood
sugar in some people. If you have a history of diabetes or pre-diabetes,
or are taking some medicines that change the effects of insulin,
Garcinia Cambogia can cause blood sugar to drop dangerously. Although
this does not seem to happen at all who take Garcinia Cambogia, it is
something else to consider and something to discuss with your doctor.

Potential Garcinia Cambogia side effects

While some people claim they have not
experienced any side effects from using Garcinia, others have had very
different experiences. In case garcinia cambogia, can be easily
overused what is not recommended. It is recommended taking high doses
several times a day, for example 30 to 60 minutes before each meal for
eight to 12 weeks in a row.

Side effects of garcinia cambogia that may occur include:

Becoming dizzy or weak

Fatigue and brain fog

Skin rashes

Increased incidence of colds / decreased immune function

Dry mouth and bad breath

Headaches

Digestive problems such as nausea, trouble eating or diarrhea

Another thing to consider about Garcinia
is the long list of your potential medical interactions. Many people
should avoid garcinia cambogia due to how this can affect other
medications, pregnancy, nutrient levels, blood sugar and more. Garcinia
cambogia can potentially interact poorly with:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Existing cases of liver or kidney damage

Medications that are taken to control asthma and allergies

Medicines for diabetes and insulin

Iron supplements (usually used by people with anemia)

Painkillers medications

Medications used to control mental disorders such as anxiety and depression

Statin drugs that lower cholesterol

Blood thinning drugs (such as warfarin)

How to use Garcinia Cambogia?

If you decide that you still want to try
taking Garcinia Cambogia for weight loss or its other benefits, here's
what you need to know about the dosing recommendations for products that
contain HCA: Typical doses are usually between 250-1 000 milligrams per
day. Durations also varied widely, ranging from Garcinia Cambogia use
between two to 12 weeks at a time.